If your loved one has tested HIV positive and the two of you wish to remain sexually active, getting PrEP can be the best way of reducing your chances of getting the virus. It doesn’t matter whether you are LGBTQ or heterosexual. As long as you are HIV negative and plan to have intercourse with a person living with HIV, it would be best to prevent your chances of getting infected. You can get the services from Dr. Matt Pabis – a doctor who specializes in offering PrEP in East Village and other reproductive services.
What does PrEP therapy entail?
Once you test negative for HIV but want to prevent yourself from contracting it through sex with a person that already has HIV, you may be advised to go for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The drug contains Truvada, which is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs: Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. It is the only drug approved for use as PrEP. But there are generic forms of the drug available which contain similar active ingredients.
Why You Need to Take PrEP
Studies suggest that taking PrEP as a once-daily pill can reduce your chances of getting HIV by more than 90%. It’s less risky when you combine both PrEP and condoms, among other prevention methods. It is a temporary HIV preventive measure, which is why it will not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Hepatitis C.
Who qualifies for PrEP Therapy?
PrEP is prescribed for people that have tested negative for HIV and are at a higher risk of getting the infection. Your doctor may recommend that you take PrEP if you have an ongoing sexual relationship with a person living with HIV or have been raped. If you are gay or bisexual and are not aware of your partner’s HIV status, your doctor may also recommend that you take the drug. Commercial sex workers and people using injecting equipment may also qualify for PrEP therapy.
When to start PrEP and how long you should take it
An HIV test is a must for anyone that is looking to get PrEP. If you test positive for the virus, then taking it increases your likelihood of developing drug resistance. That makes HIV treatment less effective. The best option is to start taking antiretroviral drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
Since PrEP is a temporary preventive measure for HIV, the therapy only lasts for weeks, months, or a few years. It is mostly prescribed for people in seasoned relationships, trying to have a baby with a person known to be HIV positive, or when dating new people.
Whether you are straight, gay, or bisexual, it is important to protect yourself against HIV, especially if you are having an ongoing sexual relationship with an HIV positive person. To qualify for PrEP, both you and your partner will be tested for HIV. PrEP therapy can only work when one of you tests negative while the other partner is found to be HIV positive. Visit your health center today to learn more about PrEP therapy.
